・Just 1 UK owner

・Desirable and rare GT model

・2+2 Fastback with 4 speed manual

・Gorgeous colour

Ford’s Mustang was an instant success, pioneering a completely new market segment, the personal sports coupe, one that even gave its name to the type-‘Pony cars’.  GM and Chrysler were soon caught in a rush to create their own Pony cars, but the Mustang was the first, and won the Pony car sales war until the late 70s.  Based on the compact Falcon platform, Lee Iacocca’s team created a car that was both stylish and sporty and - more importantly - could be tailored to the owner’s individual taste and specifications through an extensive options list.  As a result Mustangs ranged from the mild – with six-cylinder engines and automatic transmissions – through to wild, with powerful V8 motors and heavy-duty manual shifters. They were a regular sight doing the shopping and tearing up the dragstrip.  

Available as a Coupe, a Fastback and a Convertible the original Mustang’s styling was so successful Ford made the decision to leave it largely unaltered until 1967.  Top of the pile was the GT model which was more than a few badges and stickers.  The GT was only available as a V8 and featured front disc brakes, dual exhausts and a larger anti roll bar.  On the outside there were dual fog lights in the front grille, rocker panel side stripes and GT gas cap to the rear.  Inside the dash was upgraded featuring 5 separate gauges for fuel, temp, oil and amps plus a 140mph speedometer.

This Mustang has plenty going for it.  Not only is it the sought after and most desirable fastback model it is also a GT which gets you all the goodies! 

Built on 20th October 1965 for the ’66 model year at Ford’s Metuchen plant in New Jersey it was delivered to Fort Mill Ford dealership in Charlotte, North Carolina (which still exists).  Ordered as a GT 2+2 with an A code 4 valve V8 with four barrel carb, this was the most common engine for a GT.  Producing 225hp at 4,400 rpm and 305 lb/ft at 3,200 rpm it was no slouch, with plenty of V8 grunt available low down in the rev range.  Also ordered with a black, crinkle finish Pony interior it has the stampeding ponies embossed on the seat backs.  The exterior colour is Tahoe Turquoise Metallic which was a popular colour for 1966, although research by the Vendor suggests that this is 1 of only 16 fastbacks in this colour combo produced for 1966.

Sourced by the Vendor from Seaview GMC Buick in Seattle, Washington and imported into the UK in 2014 it travelled by truck to Los Angeles before arriving in the UK.  Once it was prepared for the UK MOT he has had fun with the Mustang over the past 7 years as weekend entertainment and trips to Goodwood for the race meetings.  Now he has decided to part with it as he is currently involved in another restoration project and needs the space.

 

As with most US imports there is little in the way of history prior to arrival in the UK.  The odometer read 9,500 miles when was imported (109,500 in reality) the vendor has added a further 3,500 and has enjoyed every one.  The Mustang has proved to be very dependable.  Having to do little to the car since 2014 apart from regular maintenance there are subsequently just a few MOTs on file, and bills for servicing.  He treated the Mustang to a new blower motor and heater core in 2015.  There are some notes regarding decoding the VIN, the NOVA certificate and V5C in the Vendor’s name.  

Inside the Mustang is much as you would expect in a 55 year old car.  There are odd scuff marks here and there but nothing that would mar your enjoyment.  It appears the Mustang was ordered with the optional Interior Décor group which included the Pony Interior option.  The dashboard is clean, the gauges clear and unmarked and the top of the dash has not been cracked by sunlight or age.  The wood applique surfaces on the dash and centre console are all firmly attached and mostly unmarked.  There is a Hurst shifter handle on the 4 speed box, topped with a cue ball style knob.  The seats have aged quite well and are in good order with no rips or tears.  There are lap strap belts fitted, but only in the front.  The rear seat folds flat as it should giving extra storage and the ability to carry longer objects when using the fold up access panel from the boot space.   The carpets could do with a good clean but look to be in good overall condition.  The black roof lining is unmarked and shows no tears or sagging.

Tahoe Metallic is one of the best colours available for the Mustang in period.  In our opinion it suits the car and shows off the lines perfectly.  The paintwork on this car has been refreshed at some stage prior to its arrival in the UK and is in nice overall condition. There are a few chips and nicks here and there but no sign of bubbling under the paint.  All the badges and tape stripes are present and the chrome shines well with virtually no pitting. The dual exhausts exit through the rear valance as they should on a GT, and on either side the reversing lights have been converted to provide orange rear indicators.  Optional 1966 styled steel wheels are shod with a matching set of Hancook Optimo tyres that have plenty of life left in them.

The panel gaps throughout the car are consistent which is unusual as these cars were not particularly well finished when new.  The Vendor assures us that prior to the sale the car will have a major valet inside and out as it hasn’t been driven much since lockdown.

When we arrived the Mustang was still parked in its garage.  It started with a mighty roar before the Vendor reversed it out.  Although he doesn’t know what cam it is running, it definitely is not stock!  The Mustang sounds crisp, raspy and urgent – and quite loud! The only visible upgrades under the hood are an aftermarket distributor with electronic ignition, tubular header exhausts and what appear to be non-stock cam covers.  The engine bay could do with a good clean, but there no evidence of drips or leaks. The Vendor assures us that the engine has required nothing except oil and filter changes during his ownership, and the four speed operates correctly, as do the brakes –luckily!  

This Mustang has instant appeal.  If you list the most desirable options for a 1966 Mustang this car has virtually all of those boxes ticked:  V8, GT, Fastback, Pony Interior, 4 speed gearbox and attractive colour. We doubt if there are many out there that can boast such an attractive spec and this one’s looking for a new owner..